Geneological Resources
Early Vital Records
Vital records are records of life events kept under governmental authority, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. In some jurisdictions, vital records may also include records of civil unions or domestic partnerships. In the United States, vital records are typically maintained at the state level.National Archives
See the list of genealogical records on CD-ROM available at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
National Archives
Bringing Valuable Resources to Genealogists
When it comes to great genealogical study, success often lies in the effectiveness of your resources. Without the ability to consult with records, stories, and other forms of historical accounts, finding long lost family members would be nearly impossible. Fortunately for today’s genealogists, the National Archives have supplied a great resource, both for use on the Internet and in person, that have proven highly valuable in the study of one’s past. The resources that the National Archives provide range from online access to census records, immigration records, land records, and other official documentation to in-person conferences and workshops that draw people from all over the world.
Having access to such a wide range of resources is crucial, as the farther back in time you dig the less available information you are likely to find. Without a birth certificate, death certificate, or other form of identification, an individual could spend years looking for one member of their family and, as recorded family trees grow and become more and more complex, that one person that is missing may prove to be the key to unlocking a whole new branch of relatives.
By compiling these resources into one place, the National Archives have given genealogists access to information that previously would have taken a great deal of time to track down. In addition to providing the actual records, though, the National Archives do much more to help genealogists locate their ancestors. Starting family research can be difficult, as pinpointing where to begin can be overwhelming. For this reason, the National Archives provide tips on where to look first and how to push through seemingly dead-ends. These Internet resources are invaluable to those interested in their family’s history and have proven highly useful for countless searches.
Other great resources offered by the National Archives are the in-person events. Of course online resources are important, but by hosting events and physically bringing people together, the National Archives can both improve the genealogical skills of attendees and help them create networks with others who are interested in researching family history. These networks have become a large part of genealogical research, as they allow individuals to share records, tips, and tricks that make the hunt for their heritage much easier.